by Kent French, June 26, 2025
In summer worship (June 22-August 31, 10am in Willett Hall), we will hear from one another about “how we learn to be brave,” (based on a book by the same name here). Bravery is something we begin learning when we’re young and continue strengthening throughout our lifetimes, figuring out how to stand up for what is right, what is good, what is worth defending. I’m excited for this theme because our current Zeitgeist calls for bravery more than any I can remember in my lifetime. We began reading Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s book about bravery this spring. Many of… Read More
by Kent M French, June 19, 2025
REMINDER: This Sunday, June 22, worship is at 10am in Willett Hall, followed directly by our All-Parish Meeting. Agenda here. If you haven’t turned in your pledge form, it will help us immensely if you do that before Sunday. More info here. When you enter a church, you can usually tell if the Holy Spirit is alive in the place. I am grateful and happy to say that week after week, month after month, year after year, the Spirit is alive and kicking at United Parish — in our music, in our programs, in our collective life. Where Her… Read More
by UPB Editor, June 16, 2025
This year in summer worship (June 22-August 31, 10am in Willett Hall), we will hear from one another about “how we learn to be brave,” the title of a book by Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde — which we’ve been reading as a congregation this Spring. In our discussion groups we have learned, like Bishop Budde, that bravery and courage come in all sorts of ways — often starting with the challenges we have when we’re young: getting back up on the bike after a spill, learning to be calm when a bee flies into the room, standing up to… Read More
by Amy Norton-Benfield, June 12, 2025
I love a well-researched TV show. For example, did you know that the set of The West Wing was so accurate that it was closed to studio tours for security reasons? It’s extra awesome when a fantasy show is well-researched. I love the show Wheel of Time (haven’t gotten around to reading the books yet) for that reason. As a religion nerd, I love noticing the different theologies, cultures, customs, and histories that the author has clearly drawn from. If you are planning to watch/read Wheel of Time, caution: spoilers ahead! In Wheel of Time there is a long-prophesied figure,… Read More
by Kent M French, June 05, 2025
During Eastertide (April 20-June 8), we are discerning how God wants each of us to work and serve in the world AND discerning our pledges of time, talent, and money that we will make to serve and contribute to our collective ministry in the year ahead. Here is our mantra for the season: • God has given me a gift of my own. • I don’t have to do it all. • We have what we need. • Using my gifts is filled with joy! This Sunday is Consecration Sunday, when we will dedicate our time, talent, and financial pledges… Read More
by Amy Norton-Benfield, May 29, 2025
During Eastertide (April 20-June 8), we are discerning how God wants each of us to work and serve in the world AND discerning our pledges of time, talent, and money that we will make to serve and contribute to our collective ministry in the year ahead. Here is our mantra for the season: • God has given me a gift of my own. • I don’t have to do it all. • We have what we need. • Using our gifts is filled with joy. This Sunday, we’re taking a moment to celebrate and acknowledge those in our midst who… Read More
by UPB Editor, May 29, 2025
If you’ll be in Boston for part or all of this summer, join us for local get-togethers on a monthly basis! Join United Parish 20/30 Vision this summer on the Second Wednesday of each month in Amory Park at 6 pm, where we’ll each bring our own dinner (takeout, picnic, etc.) and enjoy some time outdoors and fun together. Feel free to bring games! DATES: June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10 Contact either of us with questions at 2030vision@upbrookline.org. Can’t wait to see you all this summer!… Read More
by UPB Editor, May 22, 2025
Sunday, June 1 at 2pm on the United Parish Front Lawn. Join us for the first annual Pride Service held by the Brookline Interfaith Clergy Association. Celebrate love, diversity, and inclusion as we honor the LGBTQ+ community in an interfaith service representing the many religious faiths of the Brookline community. Whether you’re a member or an ally, you’re welcome! Contact brooklineinterfaith@gmail.com for more information…. Read More
by Anna Jeide-Detweiler, May 21, 2025
During Eastertide (April 20-June 8), we are discerning how God wants each of us to work and serve in the world AND discerning our pledges of time, talent, and money that we will make to serve and contribute to our collective ministry in the year ahead. Here is our mantra for the season: • God has given me a gift of my own. • I don’t have to do it all. • We have what we need. • Using our gifts is filled with joy. “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometime you’ll find, you… Read More
by UPB Editor, May 16, 2025
Another busy month has passed in the world of GBIO. Several UP members attended last month’s power-building training, where we learned about building relational power together. We also made calls and sent letters to the Governor to support more funds for public housing. Brookline also had local town meeting elections which many of our members were involved in. Thanks to each of you who contributed to these important efforts! Want to get more involved in this work? Reach out to us at gbio@upbrookline.org if you’d like to meet and learn more about the work of GBIO and specific ways you can support our… Read More
